Wine is still big business for many Italian restaurants, and that means it can –– and does –– pair well with pizza. If you’re unsure where to start, the Los Angeles Times has identified some of the best wines that pair well with pizza. The list covers the vino gamut and ranges from a spicy Zinfandel to a Valpolicello.

The most important aspect of offering wine in your restaurant? Knowledgeable servers. Ask your vendor if they offer any staff training. Identify the staff members in your business who are most interested in wine as a hobby and encourage them to put together some key selling points for their co-workers.

Once you’ve done that, marketing will be your best friend. Use social media to announce Happy Hour specials and spread the word about wine pairings. We’ve seen some great offerings –– for example, whole bottles under $20 at Metro Pizza and a pizza and a bottle of wine paired at $25 on Mondays at Upper Crust Wood Fired Pizza.

What’s your bestselling wine? Do you have a spectacular wine program or offering?

Jay Jerrier, owner of Cane Rosso in Dallas, Texas, answers the question: how do you train your pizza makers? Cane Rosso has been named Pizza Today’s 2017 Independent Pizzeria of the Year. “How do You Train Your Pizza Makers?” is the second of a three-part series featuring Cane Rosso. Read More ›

Donate school supplies, receive a free slice of pizza at Greenville Avenue Pizza Company What: On Thursday, August 17th, Greenville Avenue Pizza Company is hosting its 5th annual “Slices for Supplies” event, a charitable initiative to benefit a local DISD elementary school. Pizza eaters everywhere are invited to join in by swinging by GAPCo anytime… Read More ›

National Pizza Franchise Brings on New Franchisee to Further Develop Southwestern Presence MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. (August 11, 2017) – Hungry Howie’s Pizza, originator of the Flavored Crust® pizza, has inked a 20-store multi-unit agreement in Arizona with plans to open the new locations within the next five years. In addition, franchisee Fawzi Simon has also… Read More ›